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School board approves free, full-day kindergarten

The Renton School Board on Wednesday night voted 6 to 0 to officially implement free full-day kindergarten starting next year.

The decision comes on the heels of a study session last week to discuss the possible implications of the plan in the district.

"The district is moving forward to have free full-day kindergarten at all elementary schools beginning next school year. We continue to prepare those schools that currently do not have full-day kindergarten programs for the transition," said Randy Matheson, district spokesperson, in an email.

"And, we are ensuring that any parent who signed-up for half-day programs prior to the decision, or who paid a deposit for tuition-based kindergarten programs, know of the change and are provided refunds," he continued.

School Board protocol does not dictate that the school board has to vote on something presented to them in a study session, but members felt they needed to be clear on their acceptance of the measure, according to Matheson.

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